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Council Finalizes Defense Plant, Fixes Zoning Glitch

Architect's rendering of the proposed Honeywell Botts Road defense plant.
Click to enlarge.
Architect's rendering of the proposed Honeywell Botts Road defense plant.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-883878.mp3

Kansas City, Mo. – The Kansas City city council endorsed the new Honeywell defense plant project yesterday and allocated almost $21 million in bond proceeds toward its construction.

The new facility, known as the Botts Road plant, will replace the aging structures on Bannister Road where non-nuclear components for nuclear weapons are made.

Council Member Kathy Jolly emphasized its economic importance: "The poll that came out yesterday said the number one concern of Kansas Citians was the economy and jobs. And we're here today to be able to vote on a measure that will in fact bring 2100 working men and women in Kansas City with a high salary."

If the plant were not built here it would have relocated to New Mexico.

Councilman Ed Ford was the only "No" vote, which was applauded by a small number of citizens opposing the plan. Ford said he voted against the measure on principle because the facility will make parts for nuclear warheads.

The council also amended the city's new zoning code to preserve special use conditions that have been negotiated by neighborhoods on some development projects - conditions like limiting the presence or number of taverns or restaurants or prohibiting businesses like car washes that could obstruct traffic.

 

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